a sizable section

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sizable section" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large part or portion of something, often in contexts like reports, studies, or discussions about demographics or physical spaces. Example: "In the survey, a sizable section of respondents indicated that they preferred online shopping over traditional retail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We saw in the Madeleine McCann case how a sizable section of public opinion was ignored by the mainstream media.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gen. Albert Gallatin Jenkins, who was leading a long-range raid that affected a sizable section of southern Pennsylvania.

The New York Times

Today, a sizable section of the European left has been reluctant to take a clear stand when anti-Zionism spills over into anti-Semitism.

The New York Times

Given the choice of cutting out the offending premise, and thereby removing a sizable section of the script's entrails, or permitting it to remain, and thereby forfeiting Air Force aid, Logan selected surgery.

The New Yorker

Given that Labour needs to mobilise its core working-class base and win a sizable section of the middle class if it is to form a government, it should be looking at every way to reach the millions whose interests are countered by all that comes with the Lisbon treaty and its predecessors.

The Guardian

This is not a diet book, but Dr. Kessler devotes a sizable section to "food rehab," offering practical advice for using the science of overeating to our advantage, so that we begin to think differently about food and take back control of our eating habits.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I don't say the majority, but a sizable part".

The New Yorker

Exchange rates play a sizable part in the bidding process.

The New York Times

Williams, meanwhile, quietly and efficiently went about his business in front of a sizable cheering section.

The New York Times - Sports

Contingents were sent from all around the region, the largest and "best dressed" of which was a group of 10,000 who had travelled from Oldham Green, comprising people from Oldham, Royton (which included a sizable female section), Crompton, Lees, Saddleworth and Mossley.

Wikipedia

Journalists breathlessly clutched their metaphorical pearls over the prospect of Clinton potentially painting a sizable cross-section of Americans with too broad a brush.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sizable section" to refer to a considerable portion of a population, object, or document. Ensure the context makes it clear what the section is part of. For example: "A sizable section of the report deals with environmental concerns."

Common error

Avoid using "a sizable section" when a more precise measurement is possible. If you know the exact percentage or number, it's more effective to state it directly. For example, instead of "A sizable section of the participants agreed," say "65% of the participants agreed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sizable section" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It quantifies a part of a larger whole, indicating a noteworthy or significant portion. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sizable section" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a significant portion or segment. As Ludwig confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, primarily in neutral and professional contexts like News & Media and Formal & Business writing. While precise measurements are preferred when available, this phrase is useful when conveying relative size or importance. When choosing an alternative, consider options like "a significant portion" or "a substantial segment" to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial segment

Emphasizes the significance of the portion being referenced.

a considerable part

Highlights the magnitude of the portion.

a significant portion

Indicates the importance or impact of the section.

a large segment

Focuses on the size of the section.

a major fraction

Implies that the section represents an important part of the whole.

a notable division

Highlights that the portion is worthy of attention.

a respectable quantity

Suggests that the section is of a reasonable size or amount.

an appreciable amount

Emphasizes the recognizability of the amount.

a prominent share

Indicates that the section holds a position of importance or visibility.

a good amount

A more informal way of saying the section is large enough to matter.

FAQs

How can I use "a sizable section" in a sentence?

Use "a sizable section" to indicate a significant portion or segment of something. For example: "A sizable section of the population supports the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "a sizable section"?

Alternatives include "a significant portion", "a substantial segment", or "a considerable part", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "a sizable section" or a specific number or percentage?

If you have precise data, use a specific number or percentage for clarity. Use "a sizable section" when a general indication of quantity is sufficient or when precise data is unavailable.

What's the difference between "a sizable section" and "a small section"?

"A sizable section" refers to a relatively large part, while "a small section" indicates a relatively small part. The choice depends on the actual proportion you're describing.